Like Glass
New York City, New York | Film Short
Drama, LGBTQ
An original story. A dynamic character. And a crack team to tell it. 'Like Glass' is a a daring Short Film that is both a celebration of the vibrant underground community of drag performers and club kids in NYC, as well as a look into some of the challenges that non-binary people face in daily life.
Like Glass
New York City, New York | Film Short
Drama, LGBTQ
1 Campaigns | New York, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $11,000 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
119 supporters | followers
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An original story. A dynamic character. And a crack team to tell it. 'Like Glass' is a a daring Short Film that is both a celebration of the vibrant underground community of drag performers and club kids in NYC, as well as a look into some of the challenges that non-binary people face in daily life.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
THE FILM
A stylish, visceral, sometimes surreal look into the underground nightlife scene of NYC - this setting is used to explore the psyche of a character coming to terms with their fluid gender identity, and the challenges that come along with embracing that freedom in a world of binary norms. We watch as Zion (played by Jesse James Keitel) discovers and celebrates their true identity as non-binary identifying - and how this effects their daily life, at work and at home.
This film is engaging in current and resonant conversations including: misogyny within facets of the LGBTQ world, the fight for non-binary people to be understood and accepted both in their own community as well as in society at large, and the prevalence of violence that is seen between gay men and towards gender-fluid and trans members of the community. We are attempting to widen the narrative surrounding themes of Gender Identity of by showing a gender-fluid character that is strong, empowered, endearing, but also conflicted, flawed, and as human as anyone else.
As much as this story is an exploration of these deeper more complex themes, it is also a vibrant explosion of the colorful expression found in NYC's nightlife scene - started back in the 70's and 80's with the rise of the underground gay clubs, and the emergence of the Club Kids movement, and kept alive today by young people who continue to push the boundaries of gender roles, fashion, and performance art, by using their own bodies and identities as the canvas for transcendent expression.
The script was initially inspired by the real-life experiences of the film's stars. Jesse James Keitel and Maggie Borlando are active members of the club scene in NY, belonging to the group HAUS FEMANON. They appear in clubs and bars throughout NYC and Brooklyn multiple times a week, under their psudenyms: Peroxide and Magdelena, occasionally performing, and hosting at legendary nights like "Battle Hymn" by LadyFag at Flash Factory.
Armanino was inspired by the idea of characters who were examining their inner-lives in such an outward way - taking one's identity and manifesting it into a physically realized performance. This struck as the perfect backdrop for a story about the evolving identity of a community with so many facets and nuances, as the LGBTQ has today.
THE TEAM
You're probably wondering, why should I contribute to this team? Can I trust them to execute this film? Yes, you can. And here's why:
We already introduced you to Little Blondie Films and our all-star principle cast, but now we're going to tell you about two of the most important members of our team, Andrew K. Meyer and Christopher Plunkett: our Director and Director of Photography from StoneStreet Cinema. We approached these guys with the script earlier this year because we knew that they were the perfect team to execute this story with a clear vision. And if you check out their work at www.StoneStreetCinema.com you will quickly see why. Andrew and Chris have a specific and compelling eye for storytelling and world-building in their films. This is even evident in our short Sizzle Reel that we created for 'Like Glass' with extremely limited resources. Not to mention that they are two of the nicest, most hilarious, guys and collaborators you could imagine!
More info on these guys and our cast under The Team tab.
WHERE YOU COME IN
First Things First: Contributors are Team Members.
When you become a contributor to this film you automatically become a part of the 'Like Glass' team. And if you follow our project on Seed & Spark, you will get to watch the production portion of this story unfold, with exclusive behind the scenes access to the project from the campaign and our social media pages.
You Have the Control.
Independent film cannot exist without independent audiences. In recent years we've seen the tide shift to favoring independent films telling unique and compelling stories that the AUDIENCES want to see. Take this year's Oscar success story, 'Moonlight', for proof of this. At 1.5 million, it became the lowest budget Best Picture winner in Oscar history. This is exciting. It means that there is a real platform and purpose for indie filmmakers and for different stories in today's film market.
It also means that each of you have a chance to help create the kind of films that you want to see. That's control.
What Will Your Contribution Be Used For?
These are the kinds of things we will be using this budget for:
-paying the talent and crew already signed onto the project for their time and work.
-filling out the rest of our crew positions (Gaffer, Sound Mixer, Hair and Makeup, Script Supervisor, etc)
-location rentals
-catering and craft services on set
-custom art created for the film
-original score composed for the film
-equipment/gear rental
And these are just SOME of the expenses involved with producing a short film. Chek out our Wishlist to see more.
(It should be noted that this is a passion project for the creative team and principle talent, and we will all be paid well under industry standards for our work)
We are so excited to bring 'Like Glass' to life, and to share it with all of our supporters. Thank you for reading our story, please check out our incentives for getting involved, and follow our project!
-sincerely, the 'Like Glass' Team.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Camera Package
Costs $1,000
We are renting a Sony Fs7 Camera Package from StoneStreet Cinema to shoot this film. These funds will cover this rental for our shoot!
Talent Rates
Costs $1,410
We need to pay our wonderfully talented cast. These are professional actors, as well as real members of the vibrant NYC nightfile!
Crew Rates
Costs $3,900
This covers our crew rates: everyone from our Director to our Key Grip to our Wardrobe Stylist. It takes a small army to make a film!
Transportation Costs
Costs $222
This will cover gas/parking expenses for our team members traveling in from NJ.
General Liability Insurance
Costs $600
We need to cover our gear and equipment with insurance.
Location Rentals
Costs $400
We will have to rent a few locations to film in for this project. And unfortunately (as we all know) space in NYC doesn't come free!
On Set Catering
Costs $700
A crew's gotta eat! We will be providing standard Meal Services for our team, in connection with local eateries to support small bk business
On Set Photography
Costs $320
We will have 2 photographers documenting our production process, in order to give you all a dynamic inside look to the process.
Art Direction/Prop/Wardrobe supplies
Costs $348
We want this film to look the best it can. This will cover wardrobe and art direction - including custom work from local artists!
Casting Space
Costs $100
To rent a studio in NYC to cast the remaining roles in the film.
Production Expendables
Costs $500
Whatever small expendables we need for filming. Including office supplies.
Post-Sound
Costs $1,500
Post-Sound is a VERY important component of making any film feel polished, cohesive, and immersive, and will play a key role in our story.
Lens Rental
Costs $1,000
We are renting this new line of Hanse Inno Tech lenses to give our film a unique cinematic quality. We can't wait to use these babies!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Little Blondie Films -
LBF was launched in March of 2017, as the professional collaboration between David Armanino - Creative Producer/Writer, and Lauren Flack - Executive Producer/Documentary Filmmaker. With the commitment to produce Dynamic, Original and Resonant content for today's audiences, that pushes the boundaries of traditional storytelling in film - together the team comes with 14+ years of film experience, both in front of the camera, as well as in: content development, casting, marketing, and production.
Lauren Flack is a producer, director, and occasional performer. She is currently Coordinating Producer at IKA Collective in NYC where she has most recently helped produce content for NatGeo, Discovery, Hallmark, Cisco and FOX. Her acting or dance work has been seen in projects such as Anchorman II, Front Cover, Teen Vogue and on various NYC stages: Access Theater, MSG Theatre, The Lion/Theatre Row.
David Armanino is a writer, director, and performer who's acting work has been seen on TV: CBS, MTV, Discovery, VH1 - as well as on various NYC stages: Theater Row, Abingdon Theater Co., Access Theater, IRT, Dixon Place. Most recent writing credit is NEXT FAGGOT NATION by The Fossick Collective, which played at both Dixon Place and HERE Arts Center earlier this year.
'Like Glass' is produced in Association with StoneStreet Cinema:
Andrew K. Meyer is a director, screenwriter and occasional performer currently based in Queens, NY. He made his directorial debut with his short film, "Wreck", a Hypokrite Films production. In July of 2016, Andrew co-founded StoneStreet Cinema and has directed three narrative shorts under the company since: "I Heart NY", "Egg" and "The Nativitree".
Christopher Plunkett is a narrative and commercial Director of Photography from Essex Fells, New Jersey. After spending several years as a theatrical lighting designer and working off broadway productions, he had his film debut as the cinematographer for a twelve episode web series. Since then, he has gained experience with high end digital capture, as well as 16mm and 35mm film formats.
CAST
Zion - Jesse James Keitel
Sarin - Maggie Borlando
Ezra - Ashton Muniz
Luke - David Armanino
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
THE FILM
A stylish, visceral, sometimes surreal look into the underground nightlife scene of NYC - this setting is used to explore the psyche of a character coming to terms with their fluid gender identity, and the challenges that come along with embracing that freedom in a world of binary norms. We watch as Zion (played by Jesse James Keitel) discovers and celebrates their true identity as non-binary identifying - and how this effects their daily life, at work and at home.
This film is engaging in current and resonant conversations including: misogyny within facets of the LGBTQ world, the fight for non-binary people to be understood and accepted both in their own community as well as in society at large, and the prevalence of violence that is seen between gay men and towards gender-fluid and trans members of the community. We are attempting to widen the narrative surrounding themes of Gender Identity of by showing a gender-fluid character that is strong, empowered, endearing, but also conflicted, flawed, and as human as anyone else.
As much as this story is an exploration of these deeper more complex themes, it is also a vibrant explosion of the colorful expression found in NYC's nightlife scene - started back in the 70's and 80's with the rise of the underground gay clubs, and the emergence of the Club Kids movement, and kept alive today by young people who continue to push the boundaries of gender roles, fashion, and performance art, by using their own bodies and identities as the canvas for transcendent expression.
The script was initially inspired by the real-life experiences of the film's stars. Jesse James Keitel and Maggie Borlando are active members of the club scene in NY, belonging to the group HAUS FEMANON. They appear in clubs and bars throughout NYC and Brooklyn multiple times a week, under their psudenyms: Peroxide and Magdelena, occasionally performing, and hosting at legendary nights like "Battle Hymn" by LadyFag at Flash Factory.
Armanino was inspired by the idea of characters who were examining their inner-lives in such an outward way - taking one's identity and manifesting it into a physically realized performance. This struck as the perfect backdrop for a story about the evolving identity of a community with so many facets and nuances, as the LGBTQ has today.
THE TEAM
You're probably wondering, why should I contribute to this team? Can I trust them to execute this film? Yes, you can. And here's why:
We already introduced you to Little Blondie Films and our all-star principle cast, but now we're going to tell you about two of the most important members of our team, Andrew K. Meyer and Christopher Plunkett: our Director and Director of Photography from StoneStreet Cinema. We approached these guys with the script earlier this year because we knew that they were the perfect team to execute this story with a clear vision. And if you check out their work at www.StoneStreetCinema.com you will quickly see why. Andrew and Chris have a specific and compelling eye for storytelling and world-building in their films. This is even evident in our short Sizzle Reel that we created for 'Like Glass' with extremely limited resources. Not to mention that they are two of the nicest, most hilarious, guys and collaborators you could imagine!
More info on these guys and our cast under The Team tab.
WHERE YOU COME IN
First Things First: Contributors are Team Members.
When you become a contributor to this film you automatically become a part of the 'Like Glass' team. And if you follow our project on Seed & Spark, you will get to watch the production portion of this story unfold, with exclusive behind the scenes access to the project from the campaign and our social media pages.
You Have the Control.
Independent film cannot exist without independent audiences. In recent years we've seen the tide shift to favoring independent films telling unique and compelling stories that the AUDIENCES want to see. Take this year's Oscar success story, 'Moonlight', for proof of this. At 1.5 million, it became the lowest budget Best Picture winner in Oscar history. This is exciting. It means that there is a real platform and purpose for indie filmmakers and for different stories in today's film market.
It also means that each of you have a chance to help create the kind of films that you want to see. That's control.
What Will Your Contribution Be Used For?
These are the kinds of things we will be using this budget for:
-paying the talent and crew already signed onto the project for their time and work.
-filling out the rest of our crew positions (Gaffer, Sound Mixer, Hair and Makeup, Script Supervisor, etc)
-location rentals
-catering and craft services on set
-custom art created for the film
-original score composed for the film
-equipment/gear rental
And these are just SOME of the expenses involved with producing a short film. Chek out our Wishlist to see more.
(It should be noted that this is a passion project for the creative team and principle talent, and we will all be paid well under industry standards for our work)
We are so excited to bring 'Like Glass' to life, and to share it with all of our supporters. Thank you for reading our story, please check out our incentives for getting involved, and follow our project!
-sincerely, the 'Like Glass' Team.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Camera Package
Costs $1,000
We are renting a Sony Fs7 Camera Package from StoneStreet Cinema to shoot this film. These funds will cover this rental for our shoot!
Talent Rates
Costs $1,410
We need to pay our wonderfully talented cast. These are professional actors, as well as real members of the vibrant NYC nightfile!
Crew Rates
Costs $3,900
This covers our crew rates: everyone from our Director to our Key Grip to our Wardrobe Stylist. It takes a small army to make a film!
Transportation Costs
Costs $222
This will cover gas/parking expenses for our team members traveling in from NJ.
General Liability Insurance
Costs $600
We need to cover our gear and equipment with insurance.
Location Rentals
Costs $400
We will have to rent a few locations to film in for this project. And unfortunately (as we all know) space in NYC doesn't come free!
On Set Catering
Costs $700
A crew's gotta eat! We will be providing standard Meal Services for our team, in connection with local eateries to support small bk business
On Set Photography
Costs $320
We will have 2 photographers documenting our production process, in order to give you all a dynamic inside look to the process.
Art Direction/Prop/Wardrobe supplies
Costs $348
We want this film to look the best it can. This will cover wardrobe and art direction - including custom work from local artists!
Casting Space
Costs $100
To rent a studio in NYC to cast the remaining roles in the film.
Production Expendables
Costs $500
Whatever small expendables we need for filming. Including office supplies.
Post-Sound
Costs $1,500
Post-Sound is a VERY important component of making any film feel polished, cohesive, and immersive, and will play a key role in our story.
Lens Rental
Costs $1,000
We are renting this new line of Hanse Inno Tech lenses to give our film a unique cinematic quality. We can't wait to use these babies!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Little Blondie Films -
LBF was launched in March of 2017, as the professional collaboration between David Armanino - Creative Producer/Writer, and Lauren Flack - Executive Producer/Documentary Filmmaker. With the commitment to produce Dynamic, Original and Resonant content for today's audiences, that pushes the boundaries of traditional storytelling in film - together the team comes with 14+ years of film experience, both in front of the camera, as well as in: content development, casting, marketing, and production.
Lauren Flack is a producer, director, and occasional performer. She is currently Coordinating Producer at IKA Collective in NYC where she has most recently helped produce content for NatGeo, Discovery, Hallmark, Cisco and FOX. Her acting or dance work has been seen in projects such as Anchorman II, Front Cover, Teen Vogue and on various NYC stages: Access Theater, MSG Theatre, The Lion/Theatre Row.
David Armanino is a writer, director, and performer who's acting work has been seen on TV: CBS, MTV, Discovery, VH1 - as well as on various NYC stages: Theater Row, Abingdon Theater Co., Access Theater, IRT, Dixon Place. Most recent writing credit is NEXT FAGGOT NATION by The Fossick Collective, which played at both Dixon Place and HERE Arts Center earlier this year.
'Like Glass' is produced in Association with StoneStreet Cinema:
Andrew K. Meyer is a director, screenwriter and occasional performer currently based in Queens, NY. He made his directorial debut with his short film, "Wreck", a Hypokrite Films production. In July of 2016, Andrew co-founded StoneStreet Cinema and has directed three narrative shorts under the company since: "I Heart NY", "Egg" and "The Nativitree".
Christopher Plunkett is a narrative and commercial Director of Photography from Essex Fells, New Jersey. After spending several years as a theatrical lighting designer and working off broadway productions, he had his film debut as the cinematographer for a twelve episode web series. Since then, he has gained experience with high end digital capture, as well as 16mm and 35mm film formats.
CAST
Zion - Jesse James Keitel
Sarin - Maggie Borlando
Ezra - Ashton Muniz
Luke - David Armanino